‘Why I protest’: Ed Ward tells his story

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Protesters including Ed Ward took the stage during Milo Yiannopoulos’ speech Tuesday, interrupting it. A chaotic scene ensued after protesters and supporters spilled across campus. (Josh Leff / The DePaulia)

When I look into the deepest parts of antiquity, I see that protesting is not a new idea and many people protest for various reasons. I protest because I see a pattern of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, ablism, classism and pure hatred towards specific groups of people. This hatred allows people to produce rhetoric that’s vitriolic to say the least.

I believe the criticism of the protests capture the zeitgeist of the 21st century. I protest because it brings attention to issues that often go unnoticed. Contrary to unpopular beliefs, micro-aggressions create an atmosphere conducive for hate to prevail under the guise of free speech. To protest hate speech is to recognize that no one has the unencumbered rights to free speech. If that free speech is hateful, those who protest it are covered by the same constitution which allows free and hateful speech.

I protest because it shakes things up. I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country, because people like me, because in the LGBTQIA community, women, Muslims, undocumented citizens, poor people, people with disabilities and other people who are marginalized, are targeted by society. I protest not for the approval of a system or of people, I protest to serve notice to said systems and people that we hear you; and we see you. I want to remind them that the whole world is watching and the poor and marginalized are rising up, we refuse to take this hatred lying down, we are not asking for the permission of an oppressor, we are shutting down anything that proves toxic to our communities.

” To protest hate speech is to recognize that no one has the unencumbered rights to free speech.”

Do you not see/read the irony in that? How is “Kill all white people” and “Black Lives Matter” inclusive and OK but this speaker’s rights to speech aren’t?

“I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country, because people like me, because in the LGBTQIA community, women, Muslims, undocumented citizens, poor people, people with disabilities and other people who are marginalized, are targeted by society.”>> BY whom? You are falling into a “victim” mentality that all SJWs need to realize is self-destructive. Get tougher.

” I want to remind them that the whole world is watching”>> Yes, freedom-loving Americans are also watching, and you can go to your school’s Facebook reviews to see what we think. You are the reason that many parents are pulling donations and their own kids from this school. Your time is coming, and when the pendulum swings, be prepared, it will not be pretty. You will be homeless once again.

If you replaced “black” with “white” in this sentence, you would have a stack of discrimination lawsuits and half a billion dollars in assessed fines.

The fact these organizations still exist unchallenged is evidence of black privilege, not “oppression”.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 11:45 am

“Black privilege”??? LMAO you’re an idiot my friend!!!! Black communities have been the poorest communities in this country since slavery and there has been scholarships (for a fraction of the black community, not the masses), black colleges (with the lowest endowment), Black fraternities and organizations (that are broke and depend on the government for funding) and you are honestly making the case that blacks have privilege??? Unbelievable! Can you do me a favor and take an IQ test for me? I’m curious to know how low your score is lol

plasmacutter on
June 4th, 2016 6:50 pm

Black communities have been the poorest communities in this country since slavery

You know who were also seen as sub-human in the 1850’s?: Asians.
Asians now have 20% higher aggregate income and net worth than whites and have zero affirmative action programs, zero hiring or college admissions initiatives aimed at increasing their representation.

The same can be said for the Irish a bit earlier, italians, jews, etch..

If blacks are the only community which has failed to properly integrate and climb in America’s meritocratic society, they should be examining their own community.

you are honestly making the case that blacks have privilege???

Yes, I am, for all the reasons I’ve stated above, and with the citations of the counter-examples I’ve provided in this post.

Joseph Jughashvili on
May 31st, 2016 4:00 am

I urge everyone to follow this man’s example and take the suppression of subversive voices into their own hands! Freedom of speech is often misinterpreted as the freedom to express ones views, when in reality it refers to ones freedom (and duty) to silence those who threaten the ideals of the many. I hope more people will understand this distinction. If the morally superior decide certain things should not be said, then who are the ethically flawed to protest their censorship?

Artisan Hand on
May 31st, 2016 4:02 am

You protest because you don’t have the intelligence or nuance to stand up in a formal debate with someone like Milo and argue your position. Instead you resorted to a childish display of strutting idiocy as a means of shutting down their right to speak and other people’s right to listen.

Dark Jester on
May 31st, 2016 4:17 am

And here I thought threatening a gay man with violence in order to silence him was a bad thing.

You are just so self-righteous aren’t you?
Why don’t you do America a favor, and protest yourself… YOU are the one toxic to society. YOU are the one trampling all over the constitution, violating others’ rights, just to get your own way.
There is no such thing as “hate speech” … and what you did was not even free speech… A call to action, or a threat, in case you are unaware of what a call to action is, which is what you did toward Milo, is not covered by the constitution.
What you did was disturbing the peace, and illegal…
Disrupting an event you did not pay for is stealing from the students who did pay for it. You stole their time, their money, and their conversation with an intellectual whom they wanted to speak with. You owe the conservative students reparations for your actions, and so does DePaul for allowing you to do it, and encouraging it…
They are brainwashing you…
Stop allowing those racist “professors” at your institution to control you like a puppet… Man up, and admit what you did was a crime against society…
You owe Milo an apology as well… Ed Ward…
I hope someday you can look back on this, and see how wrong what you did really was…
I really hope that the admin ad DePaul realizes what they did was censorship of opposing opinions, and I hope they are regretful. By their actions so far, they are not.
Shameful.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 11:38 am

“Disturbing the peace”??? lol a guy comes to a school with the headline “feminism is a cancer” and the one who protests it is disturbing the peace?? LMAO people are so dumb these days!!!

Q-D on
May 31st, 2016 5:03 am

Sounds like protesting is all you know how to do.
Drop out and go to a trade school. Now

Reality_101 on
May 31st, 2016 5:34 am

This is perhaps the most incoherent, discombobulated piece of nonsense I’ve read in a while.

Not only does it lack intellectual structure, it lacks any sort of “writing structure” (a thesis, support, and conclusion would be nice? lol), not to mention poor grammar……

Quite frankly I have more pity for this guy than anything after reading his “defense.” Yet at the same time, I am shocked that for a man who could find the time to barge in on a speech, threaten a speaker, and prevent that speaker from talking, he couldn’t be bothered to put together an intelligent defense of his actions?

Anyway, let’s take a look at some of this gobbledygook.

You protest “homophobia”??

Huh? Milo is gay………….

“This hatred allows people to produce rhetoric that’s vitriolic to say the least.”

Circular reasoning? Do you realize you just said NOTHING in that sentence?

“I protest because it brings attention to issues that often go unnoticed.”

OK, well giving speeches also brings attention to “issues that often go unnoticed.” That’s what Milo was doing. Why don’t you give speeches? What’s that?? Because no one will invite you? Maybe there’s a reason you’re not being invited to give speeches……………

“Contrary to unpopular beliefs, micro-aggressions create an atmosphere conducive for hate to prevail under the guise of free speech.”

Quite honestly this makes no sense I can’t even begin to dissect it.

“To protest hate speech is to recognize that no one has the unencumbered rights to free speech”
Then you are clearly in the wrong country. Perhaps you would be happier in a country that restricts free speech. There are many such countries in the world – North Korea, China, and Cuba come to mind but you don’t even have to go to such extremes. Try Russia or the Middle East…….

“If that free speech is hateful, those who protest it are covered by the same constitution which allows free and hateful speech.”
Yes and no. You can protest free speech as long as you don’t break the law. However, YOU broke the law, but because of “black privilege” perhaps (?), you were not arrested when you should have been.

“I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country”

Ummm, apparently you have confidence issues as there is no reason to assert this. See a psychiatrist if you’re having feelings of inadequacy.

“Undocumented citizens”

Huh?! So close, but so far……lol

“I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country, because people like me, because in the LGBTQIA community, women, Muslims, undocumented citizens, poor people, people with disabilities and other people who are marginalized, are targeted by society.”
Wow you’re out to save the ENTIRE world! Pretty impressive for a guy that can’t even defend his illegal actions intelligently.
See psychiatrist for “delusions of grandeur”

“We refuse to take this hatred lying down”

See psychiatrist for “paranoia.”

In summary, judging from your “defense” alone, it seems you have a lot of personal issues to work on before saving the world……

I sincerely hope – with not an ounce of hatred in my heart – that someday you are able to sort out your issues and learn to join the rest of humanity who goes humbly about their day doing the boring drudge work that keeps civilization humming.

Quest for Liberty on
June 5th, 2016 4:13 pm

“I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country”
Here lies the problem. His response is not intelligent because he doesn’t know what he’s saying, he’s been indoctrinated into believing everyone not inducted into the cult of cultural marxism is in fact a racist, a white supremacist who hates him.

I wish that one day, the wool will fall from his eyes and he will finally see that people aren’t that bad and that he’s not always right.

Sasteve on
May 31st, 2016 5:41 am

You are shutting down everything that you don’t agree with. You should move to Russia, you and Putin have a lot in common.

jwujwu on
May 31st, 2016 6:23 am

“If that free speech is hateful, those who protest it are covered by the same constitution which allows free and hateful speech.”

That protest is indeed protected as free speech. But only in public space, e.g. outside on the street. Not inside the room that was specifically rented for a private event. There you have as much right to free speech as people have in your private living room – as much as the domestic authority allows for.

You can be kicked out of someone else’s private speech event for being disruptive just like you can kick a guest out of your house if you don’t like what he is saying.
The kicked out person is free to continue to protest on the street then.

Carleigh Elizabeth Klein on
May 31st, 2016 6:24 am

I am a woman and I feel far more marginalized as a Conservative than as women. It isn’t even a competition. When you spend your time searching for “micro-agressions” you are going to see everyone as far more hateful than they actually are. You should be more open to hearing all views so that you can know how to rationally defend your own views. Shutting down the discussion is intolerance in its purest form and it is only strengthening the conservative movement.

Sneed Stankonia on
May 31st, 2016 6:07 pm

Very well said.

playtone22 on
June 2nd, 2016 5:22 pm

DITTO!!!

Shelter Somerset on
June 6th, 2016 8:43 am

I’m gay and I feel your pain. The Left Wing is doing more damage to throw us back into the past than anyone. They are fighting windmills.

You’e an idiot and a racist and homophone. You are what you despise. You’re a mental case. Seek help. And stop Milo said being black is your only marketable skill. Good luck with that.

GeorgeOlduvai on
May 31st, 2016 4:06 pm

I think you meant “homophobe”, although homophone could be made to work.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 11:51 am

LOL black people can’t be racist! Racism is systematic and institutional. Secondly, “homophone”??? Maybe “homophobe”??? I think thats what you meant. Um… about that though! Edward went up there to protest some of things Milo was saying about the LGBTQIA community so how could he be a homophobe??? lol Did you even read the article?

“I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country, because people like me, because in the LGBTQIA community, women, Muslims, undocumented citizens, poor people, people with disabilities and other people who are marginalized, are targeted by society.”

Re Rand on
May 31st, 2016 7:30 am

You do not protest. You silence others with opinions that differ from yours. That is not how people who believe in a free society act.

You are ignorant, disrespectful, and arrogant (and that’s without mentioning your comma splices and improper semicolon usage.) With the pompous attitude you so unabashedly flaunt, you will never be successful in life.

I sure hope you change, because you are in for a rude awakening.

I really do hope my “hate speech”-filled comment is censored quickly, before it has a chance to toxify the community.

popehentai on
May 31st, 2016 6:59 pm

It does seem to be happening. i know my post disappeared quickly.

captainjapan8 on
May 31st, 2016 7:35 am

Yawn. People are sick of the self-righteous millennial “protests.” Destroying someone else’s platform is how people who have nothing to say exercise their right to “free speech”

iroots.org activism on
May 31st, 2016 7:53 am

Edward, ‘the zeitgeist of the 21st century,’ is your campus waking up to the fact that (many of) your professors are not teaching you critical thinking skills but a political ideology that has all the hallmarks of a cult. It’s called “intersectionality.” When you say, “I protest because…LGBTQIA community, women, Muslims, undocumented citizens, poor people, people with disabilities and other people who are marginalized,” you are claiming the tenants of “intersectionality.” And it’s just that, a theory. Here’s one problem with it according to scholar (and a woman), Christina Hoff Sommers.

“It’s a Conspiracy theory: If intersectionality theory were merely a reminder to be sensitive to different kinds of social advantages and disadvantages, that would be fine. But it is much more than that. It is an all-encompassing theory of human reality– constructed to be immune to criticism. If you question it, that only proves you don’t understand it—or are just part of the problem it seeks to correct.” (search “Christina Intersectional Feminism” on Youtube to see/hear more)

Edward, in your actions, you proved her point.

disqus_Z0GAYGK3ve on
May 31st, 2016 8:09 am

So you protest because you don’t have anything better to do….. get a job.

Jared on
May 31st, 2016 9:01 am

None of why he protests are facts. Anyone can protests thoughts / things and call it a cause, doesn’t give it any legitimate weight behind it, however.

All pathetic. You just make yourself look sad.

Freedom of Speech – is just that Freedom to be heard. You can be heard, but you shutting down another speech, is lacking in character and not having any understanding of our Constitution.

Jon Korpas on
May 31st, 2016 11:35 am

Try to not use violence next time. The way the university has handled this is a disgrace to academic discussion. You should be ashamed of how you acted, and your fellow “protestors”. I’ve seen young children act with more respect.

Andrew Munzer on
May 31st, 2016 11:38 am

You sat on a table and blew a whistle, don’t act so high and mighty.

Joshua French on
May 31st, 2016 12:29 pm

Like Milo says “Sunlight is the best disenfectant”.

elastigirl on
May 31st, 2016 12:34 pm

Ed Ward to end discrimination, let’ts start with ignoring it.

Notjack on
May 31st, 2016 12:36 pm

“we are shutting down anything that proves toxic to our communities.”

Shutting down the young black men who kill other black men? Shutting down 70% plus of fatherless black house holds? Shutting down 50% plus drop out rates from high school in the black community?

Shutting down riots that destroy black businesses in black communities?

Don’t make me laugh.

T-money on
May 31st, 2016 3:04 pm

Too much disinfecting sunlight. You’re BURNING them!

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:16 pm

His comment was about as dumb as yours lol

T-money on
June 4th, 2016 12:38 pm

ah, the “I know up are but what am I?” fallacy.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:19 pm

These communities are “crime-ridden” because they are full of poverty my friend and black communities have been that way since slavery. Do some research! You sound like an idiot! lol

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:43 am

Because all the social welfare has been working so well thus far. Perhaps we need more taxes and more incentives for economic plasticity in the black communities.

The problem is that you and your ilk cannot fathom that fiscal conservatives care about reducing poverty through reforming social programs, but perhaps you would if you were exposed to any idea other than conservatives = racists. You lack a basic understanding of the political sphere and perhaps macroeconomics. You, anon, should do your research.

Hamish_Hyde on
May 31st, 2016 12:55 pm

Ed Ward is an ideological totalitarian. Dangerous

Paul Johnson on
May 31st, 2016 11:39 pm

I think he’s a millimeter away from using violence. Kayla Johnson is already there.

Hamish_Hyde on
May 31st, 2016 12:57 pm

Does Ed Ward truly believe that shutting down free speech in such an aggressive manner won’t incite hate? He’s an optimist.

Turner on
May 31st, 2016 12:58 pm

It is sad that you take away a large group of people’s ability to speak freely and yet you allow this guy to spout absolute nonsense and then give him a platform to speak openly to the public. In a better world, both parties would be able to speak freely but apparently at DePaul University, you are likely marginalized for talking about any remotely republican/conservative/right-sided opinions. To think that an accredited university for higher learning would do something this stupid.

For anyone even thinking about going to DePaul, look at stories like this, and ask yourself if you will be treated fairly one way or the other, at this school.

This school allowed this kid to “harass” (and possibly even threaten) a speaker for having different opinions than him. If this is what you call protesting, YOU are the oppressor.

To protest hate speech is to recognize that no one has the unencumbered rights to free speech.

Waaaat? This is nonsense.

Paul Johnson on
June 1st, 2016 12:05 am

I think what he’s doing is singlehandedly, on his own authority, countermanding the first amendment.

Fritz on
May 31st, 2016 3:29 pm

As a fellow student and third generation DePaul pupil, I am so disheartened that someone my own age has not learned, over the course of their life, how to think for themselves. You are a pawn and have been trained to hate. It’s so sad to see such an angry young man incite such hatred and not even be the slightest bit aware. Rationalize however you like, but I am beyond disappointed and embarrassed (as every other student and faculty member should be) to be associated with you through DePaul University. Ignorance is bliss.

And how could DePaul promote this child through a school affiliated channel to spew his insanity, again? Why wasn’t Milo given the opportunity to address the student body?

WildJedi on
June 1st, 2016 2:54 am

The man isn’t even a student there! He’s just some random Church minister from god-
knows what!

William Hirst on
May 31st, 2016 3:30 pm

So you targeted a GAY man for protest because his words hurt? Ok.

Max on
May 31st, 2016 3:55 pm

Sorry young man. You are on the wrong side of this. The actions you performed are akin to fascism. You are trampling on the most precious piece of written word in the world to date. The 1st amendment. You seem to lack the fundamental understanding of its purpose. The very amendment that allowed you to be a jerk, you want to fracture with nebulous vast sweeping assumptions. Shame on you. What you and your partner did do however, was reinforce stereotypes. You acted as a child would. And the drivel you espoused above canonizes that perfectly. The very best thing you can do is allow speech to happen. All speech. The most vile speech imaginable. Take a look at Westboro Baptist and the actions they took. You would stop them by force. People that understand the values and principles of the 1st amendment want it to happen. They are despicable. And I’d fight to ensure they can be idiots. Just like I would for you young man. Don’t you see? The first amendment allows the world to quickly filter the good from the bad. Trust the people to see it. And stop being a bully.

Thomas Bleed, PHD on
May 31st, 2016 4:19 pm

Legally, you don’t have a right to “shut down” speech you don’t like, and by pulling stunts like this all you do is make less people sympathetic to you and your various pet causes. If you start acting like an adult instead of a bratty child, you might find that more people take you seriously.

Um. Did you forget the man you silenced with your counter productive attempt to shut down others free speech is part of the society you are protesting for? How self righteous you are! “I protest because it shakes things up. I protest because my existence is not wanted in this country, because people like me, because in the LGBTQIA community, women, Muslims, undocumented citizens, poor people, people with disabilities and other people who are marginalized, are targeted by society. “

Paul Johnson on
June 1st, 2016 12:15 am

Yeah. It’s never about those people. It’s about toeing the ideological line. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter if you’re black, Muslim, gay, female, trans, or whatever. I’ve seen them chew up all of those kinds of people.

They do not care about diversity, they care about conformity. Unless you’re white, then they just don’t care no matter what you do.

Caligula Empirium on
May 31st, 2016 4:34 pm

You are a fascist idiot

TetraD20 on
May 31st, 2016 4:44 pm

Bigot minister threatens gay man.
Where have I heard this before?

popehentai on
May 31st, 2016 5:30 pm

hmm.. seems posts are being removed.

Rollo Tumasi on
May 31st, 2016 5:35 pm

Your microaggressions deserve my microconcern.

Sneed Stankonia on
June 1st, 2016 11:27 am

Is this on a shirt? This needs to be on a shirt.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:47 pm

Your comment deserves… a comment by someone smarter than you lol shut that sh*t up! lol

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:31 am

You sound really intelligent and tolerant. Thanks for telling me to shut up, I forgot that’s how you SJWs “debate”

laura r on
May 31st, 2016 5:39 pm

darling edward: you are not marginalized in this society, you are worshipped. you are the santimonious victim. you get all the PR. you know this.

Paul Johnson on
June 1st, 2016 12:13 am

And that’s what his hedonistic grin revealed when he finally took the stage and stared out at all the innocent people he just robbed.

Sneed Stankonia on
May 31st, 2016 6:03 pm

The amount of academic cliche in this piece makes me want to vomit, regardless of the message. Stick to blowing a whistle.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:49 pm

The amount of academic cliche in this comment isn’t worth vomiting over! I would say stick to commenting on articles about people who are trying to change the world for the better but you can’t even do that right lol get your life in order! hahah

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:46 am

Juvenile retort. Dismissive of the fact that the fight against Cultural Marxism is an attempt to change the world for the better. We could use a healthy dose of scrutiny in the humanities, given the byproducts like Edward Ward.

Sneed Stankonia on
June 6th, 2016 11:04 am

Weird comment, but at least you made yourself laugh a few times.

Robot Panda on
May 31st, 2016 6:08 pm

This was godawful writing. Aren’t you a godly man? This disrespect to your speech has offended the Lord. You didn’t even proofread it. Awful tautology of the word ‘protest’ in the first 3 sentences. ‘Ableism’ is a non-existent word and you managed to misspell it.

Second paragraph, first sentence. What do you even mean. ‘Criticism of the protests’ as in the criticism we raise towards you, that you basically look like fools and use your perceived victimization as a way of bullying others? Or the ‘protests’ criticism’, meaning the criticism you have of modern society? Either way, the next word is ‘captures’ not ‘capture’.

Next sentence. ‘Contrary to unpopular beliefs’. Those are called popular beliefs. The figure of speech you’re looking for here is ‘contrary to popular beliefs’, making your beliefs unpopular, hence your reason to protest and bring.

I could go on. But there’s no use. It’s said that the quality of our thought is limited by the quality of our language and it’s clear your quality is very low. But what else can you expect when in western societies like America and the west in general (here’s where I clarify I’m not American and English is my second language), ethnic minorities are never corrected when they speak objectively wrong and their words make no sense. It’s like when black people want to say “not all x are y” and say “all x are not y”. This article is a clear example of the ramblings of a stupid man being taken seriously simply because he’s black. This is the definition of unearned privilege. He also went on stage and threatened a gay man with authorities standing by. This is again the definition of privilege.

Sneed Stankonia on
May 31st, 2016 6:40 pm

I’m sure you meant to say “LGBTQIA”. An honest mistake and, surely, adding additional characters every few protests makes it hard to remember.

Miglet32 on
June 1st, 2016 11:19 am

If the “A” doesn’t stand for “attack helicopter”, then how dare you sir? How dare you ignore all those who choose to identify as graceful, sweeping attack helicopters, with naught but the dream to gun down enemy forces under the cover of darkness using next generation infrared targeting technology?

How dare you sir.

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:34 am

Literally my sides are in space. Well done.

Jesus F. Christ Jr. on
May 31st, 2016 6:40 pm

Keep up the good work! You’re going to get Trump elected with your fascist behavior. We need him more then ever with disgraces like you and the DePaul administration multiplying like rats.

“I protest because it brings attention to issues that often go unnoticed”
All you managed to do that day was convince everyone that you and your group are nothing but crazy, loud, and uncivilized individuals. So congratulations, you made your own point void and no one is talking about these issues, they’re talking about your behaviour.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 1:00 pm

Lol “no one is talking about these issues”??? What depaul are you paying attention to lol there has been numerous emails, townhall meetings, student to administration discussions and plans to curtail this protest aftermath! You made your point void! LOL

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:27 am

Ward had his chance to debate but he blew it. Right into his little rape whistle.

Hughlon Thornbury on
May 31st, 2016 7:12 pm

Well, it looks like I found the tolerance limits of the DePaulia staff. Was it the fact that I’m a combat veteran? That Bill Ayers’ buddies had planned to kill me and my friends with a bomb? Maybe that I would have offended most of the faculty at DePaul or my message would have hurt Mr. Ward’s sensitive feelings? Readers will never know. What’s unfortunate is that Ward and the SJWs today are vilifying millions of men and women who have worked hard their entire lives to try and do right by their communities and their families. Men and women in hourly labor jobs, just trying to make ends meet. Yes, that makes me angry.
And just for the record, my spouse was not born in the US, I’m a Libertarian, a union shop steward (joined my first union in 1978) and have four children and fourteen grandchildren, ten of whom are biracial, three are in college. I’ll match my record of working to benefit humanity against any of the DePaul protestors and/or the DePaulia staff. Any time.

Vijay Mascarenhas on
May 31st, 2016 7:27 pm

Then stop shutting down the voices of gay people

The_Echo on
May 31st, 2016 7:40 pm

“If that free speech is hateful, those who protest it are covered by the same constitution which allows free and hateful speech.”

Yes, congratulations, you understand what free speech is and how it allows you to do what you do.
However, you and many others in your ideology are using your free speech to violate the free speech of others. Your protest of Milo’s event was not a protest at all. In fact, it was suppression of his expression, silencing him and denying him his freedom.

This is not free speech on your part. Rather, it’s quite the opposite. If you had stood outside of the venue and protested there, allowing the event to take place and for Milo to say his piece, you would be exercising your freedom of speech and assembly. But instead you exercised authoritarian silencing of your ideological opposition. Those who do not echo must not be allowed to speak.

For someone who claims to understand that gay people are marginalized, you sure had no issue with marginalizing Milo, a gay man.
I suppose gays who don’t agree with you don’t count, then.

As a final note,
“[…] the poor and marginalized are rising up, we refuse to take this hatred lying down, we are not asking for the permission of an oppressor, we are shutting down anything that proves toxic to our communities.”
I’m loving this bit. Despite your troubled background you have made something of yourself, to the point that you have a chance at state office, and yet you believe that you can be so easily lumped in with “the oppressed.”

Tell me Ed, if you are so oppressed, how did you get to where you are right now?

Mostly Harmless on
May 31st, 2016 7:46 pm

Fight for LGBT rights while targeting a GAY man! Brilliant.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:46 pm

Gay man wwho says racist things and homophobic things against gay people. Doesn’t agree with gay marriage and only sleeps with black guys and chooses days to be gay lol

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:55 am

He supports gay marriage but thinks it is counter to the rebellious nature of the gay male culture. Milo also has a white boyfriend right now. Sexual preferences do not fall under the twisted scope of SJWs’ definition of racism (power plus muh privilege) since he might be a sub. Of course, the radical Left wants to shame us into finding Lena Dunham attractive so I’m not surprised hearing it from you.

Thanks for telling gay people what they can and cannot believe in though, I’m sure they appreciate that as much as shutting down their right to speak.

Michael A Petranick on
May 31st, 2016 8:00 pm

You have a lot of growing up to do, kid.

Kilton Webb on
May 31st, 2016 8:12 pm

“To protest hate speech is to recognize that no one has the unencumbered rights to free speech.”

It is very irritating after reading all of these accusations of “hate speech” none are actually cited ever. They are not cited here, or in any pieces such as these. Ed, what you don’t seem to understand is that people would be on your side if they actually believed that what Milo was saying was hate speech. Sadly for you, conservative political positions are definitely covered under the 1st amendment.

Please, for the sake of your own credibility, stop lobbing the term hate speech at anyone who disagrees with you. The lobbing of ad hominem’s is exactly why so many people dislike SJW’s and the Progressive Left base so much.

I hope you take this negative backlash as it is in reality, a critical response to your annoying “activism” and not people disliking you because you are black, stand for LGBT rights, or any other position that can be summarized under the umbrella of Progressivism. What you did was annoying and disrespectful, not courageous and nor admirable. You took over the stage granted to guest speaker through force and allegedly threatened violence. You were under the protection of Administration allowing for your “activism” to continue. There is nothing brave or admirable in that.

In the end, Ed, I don’t come out of this hating or even disliking you. As SJW’s are found of exclaiming, X is a social construct. Ed, I see you as a reflection of the climate at DePaul. A climate where disrespecting conservative colleagues and their guests is applauded. A climate where professors call free speech “delusional”. This climate does not sound like one that deserves the title of Higher Education.

ghostpants on
May 31st, 2016 9:28 pm

DePaul just torpedo’d any chance they had of getting any donation money from this alumni.

Mr.Sixes on
May 31st, 2016 10:45 pm

Protested a gay man, even if you dislike his views you protested a man who likes me, you can’t not say you are truly for the protection of the LGBTQIA community

Mr.Sixes on
May 31st, 2016 10:55 pm

I want to sum this up as a black man speaking to all the protesters, you prove them right Everytime you disrupt their talks , snatching microphones, threatening people. You prove every racist person who thinks you can’t handle civilized discussion 100% correct. Because guess what they’re going to do? They’re going to take that footage they’re going to chop it up and display it so you look loud biligerant, show you yelling at a pro Trump supporter and shutting down an event people came to see. Some of them won’t even need to chop it up to feel validated.

Fritz on
June 1st, 2016 10:25 am

There’s nothing to chop up, it was a live feed… He was belligerent (correct spelling). Edward Ward, as an American citizen, chose to act this way and is responsible for the consequences of these actions. That doesn’t mean that all African-American men, DePaul students, or any group he is affiliated with acts or thinks this way.

Mr.Sixes on
June 1st, 2016 7:31 pm

Except some people will believe so, you are thinking rationally, something I can’t say Mr. Ward or his companion did. And will be viewed by racist (which is just irrational as the action Mr. Ward took) as something groups he thinks he’s affiliated with think and act. And Also remember he went up there to speak for the “safety” of me and other Black (not just African-American but anyone with African heritage) people, like he was chosen to do so, so I’m addressing it as such.

Also there is something to chop up Fritz. Because, if you make it seem like the event just started and they charged the stage after the first minute it makes the response seem even more belligerent. If you just use clips of Mr. Ward and his companion acting foolish in terms of dancing around, yelling at the crowd and blowing with a whistle each time, then later into the microphone it makes it look worse then it currently does. And if you cut out the brave young lady who wish to address the interruption directly, it will make it seem like there’s no black person there in disagreement. Think of how many people will form an opinion based on those clips or the and never read this article or care about the full context? hundreds if not thousands and potentially higher then even that especially in 10 or more years. And while yes they’re just as irrational, it’s not making the situation any better for anyone.

Fritz on
June 2nd, 2016 11:23 am

Mr. Sixes you are extremely sensible and I agree with most of your logic, but you’re perpetuating racism & creating a self-fulfilling bias, by assuming that a majority of those who have reacted to this are doing so not having watched the entirety of this event and have done so because Edward Ward is black.

I am disappointed because I have been raised Catholic and to abide by the “golden rule” and as an American where myself and everyone else who lives in this great country has the unalienable rights to pursue life, liberty, happiness. No matter how wrong, or disagreeable, or unintelligent a speaker may be, if that is someone’s idea of pursuing liberty and happiness, suppressing someone else’s pursuit through violence and intimidation, well then I do not want to be associated with this person. (Side-note: very proud of the young woman, who tried to address the protesters, but couldn’t speak her mind and was called a racist.)

Unfortunately, I am through my own and my family’s affiliation with DePaul. But this loyalty to DePaul has eroded over the years due to events such as this, in which the administration does not properly recognize this behavior as unbecoming of a DePaul student (whether blue-skinned, six-headed, 3-eyed, etc.) and instead justifies & then tries to obscure these behaviors as actions of justice on behalf of a certain group.

Best of luck, give people a chance, the smarter and more loving ones will always outweigh & outshine the ignorant and hateful. (At least that’s how I was told).

Assault with intent to rob and steal being unarmed—Any person, not being armed with a dangerous weapon, who shall assault another with force and violence, and with intent to rob and steal, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 15 years.”

Paul Johnson on
June 1st, 2016 12:03 am

I hope people don’t think you mean that figuratively. He literally sounds like a Nazi. Change the demographics, keep the issues and the rhetorical technique. Just like a Nazi.

WildJedi on
June 1st, 2016 2:50 am

This guy ISN’T EVEN A STUDENT.

WildJedi on
June 1st, 2016 2:51 am

It’s because of the BLM movement that sane people ie. Kati Danforth must fear for their safety, unless they want to be attacked for being a “white supremacist”. I just pray to god that she stays safe.

WildJedi on
June 1st, 2016 2:57 am

It’s sad that even if you tried to reason with him he would just scream “uh huh IDIOT!!!!!11111” and blow his stupid whistle before you could say another word.

Liminal on
June 1st, 2016 5:03 am

I demand you stop hiding behind people like me and point out you are acting in league with the methods used to silence people like me all throughout history, the same bigoted methods used but self interested power hungry people who just exploit the vulnerable, lower classes and minorities for their own personal profit.

And how do you respond? You delete my comment, only proving how true those words are and how cut you are by having the mirror held up to your insidious ways and absolute cowardice here.

Constantine Gregor on
June 1st, 2016 9:10 am

That’s what happens when you give a stupid man a “righteous” cause. They can justify any crime, any act of bigotry in their own head. You aren’t doing it to protect LGBT community, Ward, you’re doing it to justify your petty existence. Instead of finding a decent life goal yours is to shut up people who disagree with you, because you made yourself believe that you and your SJW comrades are morally infallible.

DamoclesSword on
June 1st, 2016 7:21 pm

I see pure hatred towards specific groups of people coming from YOU Ed Ward. Because YOU believe something to be true does not mean everyone should believe it too. YOU are not the final word on what should be considered “Hate Speech”. “micro-aggressions create an atmosphere conducive for hate to prevail under the guise of free speech.” This is your utterly ridiculous unverifiable opinion. YOU have no right to stifle someones voice based on your opinion. “no one has the unencumbered rights to free speech” – Of course I am forced to disagree. Again, just your uniformed nascent opinion. EVERYONE HAS OR SHOULD HAVE THE UNENCUMBERED RIGHTS OF FREE SPEECH REGARDLESS OF RACE GENDER OR RELIGION OR LACK THERE OF. YOU are not a protester. YOU are an authoritarian leftist with an agenda that has decided he is right and anyone that has a different opinion should be silenced. I have seen the video and you look like the “idiot”.

The ‘hatred’ you imagine exists everywhere is largely in your own mind. You’ve been taught to focus on injustice and so you see it all around you just as a fundamentalist Baptist imagines he sees sin everywhere. Protest? When did you protest? You boorishly interrupted an invited speaker and broke up a meeting, making it impossible for him to make any of his points. That is not protest, it’s fascism. Do you have any serious arguments to put forward? If so, do so – leave the theatricals and the chanting and the histrionics and present your case like a grown up.

DPU Students for Free Speech on
June 2nd, 2016 4:31 pm

It’s funny how his name on here is “Ed Ward.” He’s missing one of two Wards. Because of his name, no one should be surprised by his obsession with warding of free speech.

Tehy on
June 2nd, 2016 7:53 pm

‘ Contrary to unpopular beliefs, micro-aggressions create an atmosphere conducive for hate to prevail under the guise of free speech.’

A) no they don’t
B) hate is free speech

Barryfromkenya on
June 3rd, 2016 2:20 pm

Mr. Ward, what exactly has Milo said that is threatening to you? Be specific.

Mr E on
June 4th, 2016 3:50 am

Well Mr. Ward, I’m sure there are plenty of job opportunities out there for perpetually indignant, social justice beta males with a propensity for shutting down free speech.

John on
June 4th, 2016 8:42 am

I’m an athirst and agree with everything you said

John on
June 4th, 2016 8:48 am

Poes. Law

John on
June 4th, 2016 8:50 am

Better to let him show what a fool he is

John on
June 4th, 2016 8:55 am

You and kati are leadership quality people

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 11:34 am

These comments are some of the dumbest statements I have ever seen! hahahah Its sad people actually defend hate speech the best that they can and attack the ones that protest it lol only in America! Also, I don’t find it coincidental that all the statements below are from white people LMAO guess what guys??? The time has come! Minorities and even some lower class whites are no longer going to put up with your racism, your bigotry, your classicism and your PRIVILEGE! Toodles!!! 🙂

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:09 pm

Your comment kind of doesn’t really make sense Ken. <——(My nice way of saying that your comment was stupid just in case your soul would be a bit sensitive!) You say he "broke the law". What law are you talking about in particular? Interrupting free speech by using free speech? Not necessarily breaking any laws especially if this wasn't a secret service domain credits to the Trespass Bill! https://www.rt.com/usa/trespass-bill-obama-secret-227/
No law was broken my friend. If you disagree, just say you disagree lol don't make up lies!

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:26 am

Well it looks like you’ve been busy, anonymous. Threatening someone with physical violence is against the law. Stealing property like electronic equipment is against the law. Using amplified sound to cause a disturbance to the public is against explicit DePaul code of conduct and is grounds for expulsion.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:21 pm

Maybe if you would call out the racism, privilege and bigotry by your own people, he wouldn’t have to! Get you’re life together! You’re the fraud!

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 10:59 am

Pots and kettles. How much have we heard that white males are scum of the earth from the radical Left? The answer: slightly more than the anti-zionist messages we are hearing from your leadership who is trying to support Islam. The alt-right and SJW share a lot of intolerance against Jewish people, for example, which is why I cannot support either of your causes.

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:39 pm

“You can “plausibly” claim you were attacked when no such attack took place, and then justify an aggressive act.” ??? Slavery, job discrimination, gerrymandering, industry placement that affects black communities in terms of pollution (pollution which decreases property value in black communities – leading to a bad school system (education funded off of property taxes . What America are you living in??? lol
“innate uncivilized savagery that is all too common in black communities”??? LMAO you’re stupid! The majority of crimes in this country are committed by whites. ASTOUNDINGLY BY WHITES!!! Do some research you bimbo! hahah 🙂 have a nice day!

Anonymous on
June 4th, 2016 12:45 pm

A gay cisgender lol white guy who uses black guys bodies for sexual pleasure and cares nothing about black people, who also said being gay is a choice and who is personally against gay marriage lol stfu!!! Yea there is definitely no room for being a homophobe or racist in that quota. Shut your trash! You’re not worthy of a comment lol

Rollo Tumasi on
June 5th, 2016 11:01 am

Funny how you think gayness is not a choice but gender is a social construct. You’re not very good at this, are you?

Oh a challenger appears. Edward Ward committed a hate crime against a homosexual, of course he won’t be receptive to dating Milo.

yeahbuddy on
June 7th, 2016 1:42 am

No it’s true, you can see it on the video.

FedUpLiberal on
June 5th, 2016 2:46 pm

Up front, I’m a liberal, and I completely disagree with Milo’s ideals and agree that his speech is hateful.
However, there’s a difference between protesting and having your voice be heard, and actually storming the stage and getting an event shut down just because you disagree with it.
Free speech is free speech, and just because you don’t like what someone is saying doesn’t mean that your right to free speech is more important than theirs.
Honestly I get so annoyed with liberals and SJWs these days. Like all this nitpicking and protesting stupid shit that gets out of control. Like it’s fine to stand up for what you belive and disagree with other people, but there’s a right and a wrong way to do it.

Quest for Liberty on
June 5th, 2016 4:18 pm

The quality of this article proves you’re not being educated but indoctrinated.

Shelter Somerset on
June 6th, 2016 8:42 am

If these people are so marginalized, as they like to believe, then how did they ever make it into college? The poor? The marginalized? Give me a break. They are anti-American communists who despise democracy. I’m a gay man, and I refuse to be manipulated by these bi-polar lunatics. Thank you!

Hannah B on
June 9th, 2016 10:41 am

Thank you for your words! I hope that somewhere in the midst of these comments and continued hate speech, that you are able to find spaces of healing in your community. As an alum who lives on the other side of the country, I am grateful to know that local alumni such as yourself are continuing to hold DePaul accountable to the Vincentian values that make it the safe place of learning that it can be.

For other folks reading, I want to remind people that protests are almost always a last resort. People tirelessly go through the “systems” of emailing, meeting with administration, and naming their needs, but get no response. That is why protests happen — the methods of dialogue that currently exist do not serve people who are ignored, and this is the only way for people to hear a call for change to these systems.

Ed, I appreciate your thoughts and dedication. Thank you for sharing them!